SR: Crusaders 21(11), Blues 13(13)

The Crusaders, who heads the New Zealand conference on points difference, are desperate to make amends for last week’s big slip against the Hurricanes.

At home to the Blues, who ended a nearly two-year losing streak on the road, the Crusaders know they can’t afford another defeat. The Blues are in the same position – they have to win in Christchurch for the first time since 2004 to keep their hopes of a play-off spot alive.

Currently on 36 points, they need five points to jump the Brumbies (on 40) – while they need the Chiefs to beat the Hurricanes the reds to upstage the Western Force.